“As a result of the installation of IdleAire technology in Bordentown, truckers traveling on Route 295 and the Turnpike can now rest and enjoy amenities such as air conditioning, cable television and internet service without emitting harmful diesel particulates,” said Commissioner Kolluri. “NJDOT will continue to encourage the implementation of projects that encourage driver alertness and reduce diesel emissions."

NJDOT, DEP and DVRPC facilitated the $905,750 project, securing $600,000 in federal Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality (CMAQ) improvement plan funds and $305,750 from IdleAire toward the installation of the anti-idling technology as part of the statewide diesel emissions reduction initiative. NJDOT managed construction of the project, which will provide truck drivers a cost-effective means to reduce harmful emissions from diesel idling.

"Every year exposure to harmful diesel emissions results in hundreds of premature deaths, thousands of asthma attacks and countless emergency room visits," said Commissioner Jackson. "This new truck stop provides an affordable alternative to idling and will reduce the amount of dangerous soot in the air we breathe by 20 tons per week."

The IdleAire electrification system enables truck drivers to enjoy amenities that are otherwise available only by continuously operating a vehicle's engine and releasing harmful diesel fumes. The system delivers heating, ventilation, and air conditioning to the truck cab and sleeper compartment via a console that is mounted on the cab's passenger window. The console also provides power to the trailer refrigeration unit, appliances inside the cab and hookups for cable television, telephone, and internet service.

Reducing idling helps truckers save money by conserving fuel and reducing the frequency of maintenance and replacement of trucks. Idling vehicles unnecessarily consume fuel and increase long-term engine maintenance costs. Idling is also an occupational hazard as it exposes drivers to dangerous levels of particulate matter and other toxins.

“DVRPC is pleased to be able to provide CMAQ funds for this groundbreaking project,” said Barry Seymour, DVRPC Executive Director. “Eliminating unnecessary extended idling of long-haul diesel engines will produce significant health, environmental, and economic benefits to our region, and save over 1,000 gallons of fuel per day.”

Diesel exhaust ranks among the air pollutants that pose the greatest risk to public health. Research has shown that fine particles in diesel emissions are harmful because they bypass the body's natural defense mechanisms and penetrate deep into the lungs. These pollutants are known to cause asthma, bronchitis, lung cancer, heart disease and premature death.